A hike to Hidden Lake in Banff National Park is a fantastic way to experience larches. If you add a backcountry stay at the Hidden Lake Campground, you can catch the golden larches glowing in the late afternoon sunshine or enjoy early morning reflections in Hidden Lake. The area around Hidden Lake is at its most beautiful during the last two weeks of September when the larches turn golden.
The Hidden Lake Campground is just 1.2 km and an easy 25-minute hike away from Hidden Lake. It’s a treat to explore the area without rushing back to the car for the drive home. You need to go prepared for cold weather and even snow in September.
Another great reason to stay at the Hidden Lake backcountry campground is that it allows you to explore more of the Skoki Area. It’s less than a 30-minute hike to reach Boulder Pass and Ptarmigan Lake. From there you can ascend Packer’s Pass Peak, hike to Baker Lake, explore Zigadenus Lake or Myosotis Lake, or drop into Skoki Lodge (up until September 25th) for their famous afternoon tea.
In this guide I share what it’s really like to stay at Hidden Lake Campground, what the hike to Hidden Lake entails, and some of the other fantastic hikes in the area, particularly during larch season. If you’re looking for more places to enjoy golden larches, check out my guide to the best larch hikes in Alberta.
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Larches dot the shoreline of Hidden Lake
Hidden Lake Hike at a Glance
Distance: 7.2 km one way to Hidden Lake Campground + 1.2 km one way to Hidden Lake
Elevation gain/loss: +505 m to campground + an additional 102 m to Hidden Lake
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Time: Approximately 2 – 2.5 hours to the campground + 20-25 minutes to Hidden Lake
Trailhead: Fish Creek trailhead off Whitehorn Road
Best time to hike: Mid-July to late September
Campground reservations/permit: Book online or by calling 1-877-737-3783 (from North America) or 1-519-826-5391 (from outside North America)
Bears: Black and grizzly bears are frequently sighted on this hike, so easy to access bear spray is a must. I’d also suggest reading Tips for Staying Safe in Bear Country.
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Larches: Go during the last two weeks of September with the last week in September usually being the best of all
The beauty of Hidden Lake by the third week of September
Why Hike to Hidden Lake in Larch Season?
Hidden Lake, situated below Mount Richardson, Pika Peak and Ptarmigan Peak, is simply stunning in mid to late September when the larches turn golden yellow. Visit late in the afternoon to catch them glowing in the sun.
If I wasn’t camping in the backcountry, chances are high I would miss the magical late afternoon light in a race to get back to my car and home. By staying at Hidden Lake Campground, just a 20-minute hike from Hidden Lake, we were able to leisurely explore the area around the lake. And even though the Hidden Lake campground was almost full, we only saw one other person at the lake. It was a quiet, verging on magical experience.
Hidden Lake Hike Trail Description
Fish Creek Trailhead to the End of the Fire Road
From the Fish Creek trailhead it’s a slog up the fire road to reach the Skoki Valley Trail. Over 3.6 km you climb around 311 metres. Grin and bear it, appreciating it will take you about an hour to get up and 45 minutes to descend. Chances are you will also end up covered in dust, as numerous vehicles from the Lake Louise Ski Resort use the road. Fortunately, the scenery rapidly gets better once you’re on route to Hidden Lake, Boulder Pass, and the Skoki Valley.
Mountain views from the fire road
Hiking from the Start of the Skoki Valley Trail to Hidden Lake Campground
Head uphill to your right at a signed junction, a short distance past a picnic table with information boards about bear safety. Emerge from the trees, about 2.6 km up. Then the scenery gets interesting with more larches making an appearance along with some big mountain views including Ptarmigan Peak and Mount Redoubt.
At an intersection you can go right to visit historic Halfway House, and just up from that take the signed turnoff to Hidden Lake campground (called SK5 by Parks Canada). Arrive at the eating area and bear lockers in roughly 400 metres. Continue just past that to find 10 tent pads – some more uneven than others, spread around a couple of areas.
Colourful open slopes on the trail near Temple Lodge
The first of the larches on the way to Hidden Lake Campground
Ptarmigan Peak on the right pops into our view
Almost at the turnoff to Hidden Lake Campground
I had a quick look inside Halfway Hut – a historic log day-shelter along the trail to Skoki Lodge
Only 400 metres to go to Hidden Lake Campground
Hike to Hidden Lake
It’s a quick 20-25 minute hike from the Hidden Lake Campground to Hidden Lake. The well-used trail climbs through the woods, crossing a stream a couple of times.
When you arrive at Hidden Lake the turquoise colour contrasted with the golden larch trees will take your breath away. The lake was bigger than I expected, and the setting was far more spectacular. You’ll be able to see Ptarmigan Peak, Pika Peak, and Mount Richardson poking out behind.
It’s a very pretty lake – but there is stiff competition in the Skoki area. Other standout lakes include Ptarmigan Lake, Baker Lake, Zigadenus and Myosotis Lakes, Merlin Lake, and Redoubt Lake. Visit in the morning for the best chance of capturing reflections on the water.
The trail to Hidden Lake is easy to follow
Lots of colourful vegetation along the shores of Hidden Lake
Beautiful fall colours in the vegetation above Hidden Lake
Gorgeous view of Redoubt Mountain on the hike back to the campground
Camping at Hidden Lake Campground
Number of sites/tent pads: 10
What the sites are actually like: Primitive sites with a square wooden frame marking the tent pad, but the surface is still bare earth. If rain is in the forecast, choose a site with good drainage.
Privacy: A couple are off on their own with views over the stream
Cooking area: One large picnic table and 4 small rather awkward high tables
Toilet: One outhouse
Water: Fill containers at the stream that is easily accessed from the cooking area.
Bear precautions: Use the bear lockers provided for all food and any products with a scent. Also, carry bear spray everywhere you go.
Campground proximity to Hidden Lake: 1.2 km away
Would I camp here again: Yes. Hidden Lake is a great base to do more hikes in the Skoki area, especially as it is also only about a 25 minute hike to Boulder Pass and Ptarmigan Lake.
Well-spaced campsites in Hidden Lake Campground (though some have drainage issues)
Exploring the Skoki Area from Hidden Lake Campground
Packer’s Pass and Packer’s Pass Peak
Distance from Hidden Lake Campground: Approximately 3.1 km one way to the saddle and 3.6 km one way to the peak
Elevation gain: 375 m
Time: 75 minutes one way
From the Hidden Lake Campground it’s about a one-hour, 3.1 km hike to Packer’s Pass, gaining 375 m. From the saddle you can continue down to Zigadenus and Myosotis Lakes or climb Packer’s Pass Peak, which is what we did. From the pass, allow another 25 minutes and 140 m of elevation gain to reach Packer’s Pass Peak.
View from Packer’s Pass of Ptarmigan Lake, Redoubt Lake and Mount Redoubt
Zigadenus Lake as seen from Packer’s Pass Peak
Baker Lake as a Day Hike
Distance from Hidden Lake Campground: Approximately 5.9 km one way
Elevation gain/loss: +175m/ -136m
Time: 1.5 hours one way
The hike to Baker Lake from Hidden Lake Campground is a beautiful one. It climbs first to Boulder Pass, followed by an easy hike along the shores of Ptarmigan and Baker Lakes. Most of the elevation occurs on the climb to Boulder Pass. I love this area, although I think the Baker Lake Campground could use a little TLC.
I’ve done the hike to Baker Lake as part of a multi-day backpacking trip, staying two nights and doing the Skoki Loop before heading out on the last day.
Hike beside Ptarmigan Lake to reach the turnoff to Packer’s Pass Peak and to get to Baker Lake
Baker Lake is another Banff beauty
Skoki Lodge and the Skoki Lakes
Distance from Hidden Lake Campground: Approximately 7.3 km one way
Elevation gain/loss: +271m/ -333m
Time: About 2 hours one way
The hike to Skoki Lodge takes you first to Boulder Pass, then up and over Deception Pass, followed by a long descent on a hillside thick with larch trees to arrive at Skoki Lodge. It’s a stunning area with the pretty turquoise Skoki Lakes visible from just below Deception Pass.
The shore of Ptarmigan Lake is also a good place to see larches and fall colours
Looking down at masses of golden larches in the direction of Skoki Lodge
Best Larch Views on the Hidden Lake Hike
On the hike to Hidden Lake you’ll find the occasional larch appearing shortly after you get out of the forest. From there to the turnoff to the Hidden Lake Campground you’ll find the occasional larch. You really need to hike to Hidden Lake to see them in large numbers.
I’d also highly recommend ascending Boulder Pass, as there is a large stand of larches in the area.
Is Hidden Lake Worth an Overnight Trip?
I think it’s well worth an overnight trip to the Hidden Lake Campground. That way you can explore the surrounding area at leisure with only a day pack. Hidden Lake exceeded all expectations for me. I had expected a nondescript small lake – and not the turquoise beauty I saw situated beneath high mountain peaks
Larches galore at the southeast end of Hidden Lake
Best Time to Hike and Camp at Hidden Lake
It’s possible to hike to Hidden Lake and stay at Hidden Lake Campground starting sometime in early July, depending on snow levels. In my experience though, the biting insects are particularly nasty in wet areas until around mid-August. I would suggest a trip from mid-August to late September. If larches are your focus then plan to go the last two weeks of September – and at that point it’s usually easy to snag a campsite. I’d even suggest grabbing a campsite cancellation, so you can time your visit with a good weather window.
Golden larches in all their glory at Hidden Lake around the third week of September
How Hard Is the Hidden Lake Hike?
The Hidden Lake hike is easy to moderate depending on how fit you are. The steepest part of the hike is on the fire road between the parking lot and the Skoki Valley Trail. After that there are some short steeper sections, but most of it is a gradual grade.
What to Know Before You Go
A backcountry camping reservation is a must. Hidden Lake Campground is a Parks Canada backcountry campground, so you need a reservation and backcountry permit to spend the night. If you’re having trouble getting the dates you want, set up an alert with Schnerp, so you can quickly nab a cancellation should it become available.
The first 3.6 km of the hike is the least enjoyable part. The hike up the fire road is a soulless experience. It’s steep in places and often dusty thanks to Lake Louise Ski Resort traffic. Fortunately, you can knock it off in about an hour.
Larch season can mean wintry conditions. By mid to late September, there is a strong likelihood that you will encounter freezing temperatures, snow, ice and rapidly changing weather. Go prepared – and know that larches are also very beautiful covered with snow.
The campground is primitive. You’ll find the basics – tent pads, bear lockers, an outhouse, cooking/eating area, and stream water. What you won’t find is potable water, showers, or a shelter.
Bring a water filtration system. Get your water from the stream, a minute’s walk away from the cooking area. You will need to filter, treat, or boil all water.
This is bear country. Both black and grizzly bears are regularly seen in this area. Bear spray should be quick to access rather than buried in your pack. Use bear lockers for all food and scented items.
Don’t count on cell service. Download maps before leaving and let someone know where you are going. Consider carrying a Garmin inReach Mini 2 in case of an emergency.
Dogs are allowed but must be leashed.
The campground is a great choice if you want to do day hikes in the Skoki area. Camping at Hidden Lake Campground allows you to use it as a base to explore more of the Skoki area including Packer’s Pass Peak, Boulder Pass, Ptarmigan Lake, the Skoki Lakes, Skoki Lodge, and Baker Lake.
Skoki Lodge is open seasonally. If afternoon tea at Skoki Lodge is a must for you, check their website before booking the Hidden Lake Campground to ensure they are open.
Choose your campsite with drainage in mind. Not all tent pads are level. We met a woman who had camped here before in a terrible storm and had water running under her tent.
Expect more people on the trail than at Hidden Lake. Lots of people hike into the Skoki area but only a fraction of those people visit Hidden Lake.
Check trail and road conditions before leaving. If a bad storm is forecast, consider canceling your trip – and at the very least I would suggest you check the Parks Canada website for advisories.
A beautiful walk along the shore of Hidden Lake in larch season
What to Pack for an Overnight at Hidden Lake
If you plan to overnight at the Hidden Lake Campground in September, I highly recommend you bring multiple layers of warm clothing including a down coat with a hood, a warm hat, mitts, merino wool long underwear (tops and bottoms) and a few pairs of warm socks.
Also, pack a warm down sleeping bag. Consider making a hot water bottle using a Nalgene bottle so you can get toasty warm once you get in the tent. Pack a lightweight Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT that reflects your body heat. As for a tent, I love my MSR Elixir 3-person tent that we use for two people.
If it’s cold, tea, soup, and hot chocolate will warm you up. I love leave these lightweight backpacker mugs. You’ll also need a water filter or water purification tablets.
One of the eating tables close to the bear lockers at the Hidden Lake campground
Hidden Lake Hike & Camping FAQs
Yes. Hidden Lake Campground is a Parks Canada backcountry campground with 10 tent pads. Make a reservation to camp overnight. Staying here makes it much easier to explore Hidden Lake and the surrounding Skoki area without having to hike all the way back to the trailhead the same day.
From the Fish Creek trailhead off Whitehorn Road on the way up to the Lake Louise Ski Area, you hike 7.2 km one way to reach the Hidden Lake Campground. Hidden Lake is a further 1.2 km away.
It took us just over two hours to hike to Hidden Lake, with an hour of that hiking up the soulless fire road.
Yes you can. It’s 7.3 km one way with 271 m of elevation gain and 333 m of elevation loss. Allow a minimum of two hours each way in addition to some time around Skoki Lodge.
Yes you can and the views are phenomenal. It’s approximately 3.6 km one way with an elevation gain of 375 m. Allow about 75 minutes to reach the peak from the Hidden Lake Campground.
Yes you can, but it would be a longish day. The return hike is about 16.8 km with approximately 607 m of elevation gain. You need at least six hours for the return hike along with some time to enjoy and explore the area around Hidden Lake.
Plan to visit Hidden Lake sometime over the last two weeks of September. The last week of September is likely your best bet for prime colours.
More Larch Hikes You’ll Love
The Fabulous Arethusa Cirque Hike in Kananaskis – A gorgeous Kananaskis hike through alpine meadows and dramatic mountain cirques, perfect for larch lovers in fall.
Diana Lake Hike in BC and Why It’s Worth the Drive – Near Radium, the hike to Diana Lake is prime during larch season.
Monica Meadows Trail Guide (Kaslo, BC) – One of the best larch hikes I’ve ever done that also features alpine lakes and a stunning mountain backdrop.
The Pocaterra Ridge Hike in Kananaskis – One of Alberta’s best ridge walks offering superb views over Highwood Pass, rolling alpine terrain, and fall larches.
The Taylor Lake Hike in Banff National Park – A moderate out-and-back trail that leads through forest to an alpine lake at its best in larch season backed by dramatic Rocky Mountain peaks.
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